IGY Micrometeorite Measurements
Abstract
The interplanetary space contains a gas in the form of plasma, the spectrum of electro-magnetic radiation, and cosmic matter. The cosmic matter includes various elementary particles with great energy such as cosmic rays, solar protons and macromolecular conglomerates of still larger specific energy, the cosmic dust. The astronomical study of meteors, and the study of the Fraunhofer component of the sun's corona and the zodiacal light been the main sources of information concerning cosmic dust in the interplanetary space. Information concerning the solid component of interplanetary material has also been obtained from visual, photographic, and radio measurements of meteors, and from astronomical studies of comets, asteroids, the gegenschein, and the interstellar dust. Expect for the collection of meteorites that have reached the earth in recent times, the direct measurement and analysis of interplanetary material has been impossible until the successful utilization of rocket launched vehicles. The first steps in the direct measurement of the solid component of interplanetary material have been carried out using rockets, satellites, and space probes. Experiments involved the measurement of the cosmic dust by counting, with the aid of a piezo-electric transducer, the number of dust particles striking the space vehicles. In this paper, two cosmic dust experiments carried out during the International Geophysical Year are described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1960
- Accession Number
- ADA285101
Entities
People
- Maurice Dubin
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories